WASHINGTON-—U.S. factory activity rose to the highest level in 13 years last month as hurricanes disrupted supplies but drove up demand for manufactured goods. The Institute for Supply Management said its September manufacturing index rose to 60.8 from 58.8 in August, the highest reading since May 2004.
TEMPE, AZ——Manufacturing in the United States expanded in February at the fastest pace since August 2014, as factory managers reported stronger orders and production. The Institute for Supply Management’s index climbed to 57.7, the sixth straight advance, from 56 a month earlier, the group’s report showed last Wednesday.
WASHINGTON—Despite blizzards, ice storms and floods, U.S. manufacturing conditions improved significantly in February. The Institute for Supply Management found that new factory orders, deliveries and inventories improved during February to create an overall index of 53.2, up from 51.3 in January. Any index figure over 50 signals economic growth.